end, we grow busier every day, and count the time closer. For we expect to return in October, to reach home (_Deo favente_) either at the end of that month or before the middle of November; the day and vessel not yet quite fixed.... There are lots of things to write about, but the sheet is full, and I must only say I am Yours affectionately, ASA GRAY. TO R. W. CHURCH. RICHMOND HOUSE, KEW. ... It is really serious, this leaving England, and choice friends in it, when one considers that, whatever I may fondly say, I cannot expect to see it again,--I do not say _them_. Affectionately yours, ASA GRAY. CAMBRIDGE, MASS., November 14, 1881. MY DEAR FRIEND,--Dr. Holmes is a good soul, and has just sent me the inclosed for the autograph which I promised H. I wish she, and especially that M., could be here now, to enjoy our exquisite dry and stimulating air, which, with American oysters, should set her up completely. I have missed Freeman. He had gout and some other engagements, which took him from Boston the day before we landed. My critical friends at Cambridge say that his lectures were disappointing. They say he took no pains in preparation, or at least fell into the common habit of your countrymen when they come here, that is, of giving lectures and water. The Bostonians prefer, and appreciate, something more concentrated and higher proof. I do hope you will promise Mr. Lowell a course of lectures, few or more, next October. The foundation of the Lowell lectures requires that courses shall be delivered, as often as possible, on subjects pertaining to Christianity, natural religion, etc., which may come as near to sermons as you like. Pray do not decline the invitation offhand. You would have a most appreciative audience. You see we are counting upon you, with two daughters at least, for the next summer and autumn. In haste to save the post, Affectionately yours, ASA GRAY. TO GEORGE ENGELMANN. CAMBRIDGE, December 13, 1881. MY DEAR OLD FRIEND,--It is shabby of me to wait so long in response to your kindly greetings, which were dated on my birthday, November 18. But I was very busy when it came, and hardly less so since, and so I let it get out of sight. Well, here we are once more, leaving dear friends on the other side, and now among our own kith and kin. Glad to hear of your pleasant summer, and pretty good health now. We had a favorable voyage home, which is more than those just before could say, and far more than any since.... Nees’s asters, of his own herbarium, I can nowhere find or hear of. But I don’t believe his herbarium (which was sold piecemeal) would have helped me much, considering how he has named asters for other herbaria.... Accumulated collections, of Lemmon, Parish,[121] Cusick,[122] etc., especially have taken all my time up to now, after getting my home in order, a deal of trouble. And now I can think of getting at my “Flora” work again.